Couch-hammock and back-rest and wind-shield therefor.



I. B.;PALMER. COUCH HAMMOCK AND BACK REST AND WIND SHIELD THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 23, 1912. 1,053,860. Patented Feb. 18,1913.

5 SHEBTS-SHEET 1.

.%\R\ m Q5 mm c W Q .r. W i. 31 n a a w a 5 u\ w x m A+ an & W Z N: I 2 33 a m B RN w H a 8 Q\ Q b u m R W m 0 Hu /w m h Y J@ m Q Mg v v A. =1 W M 8% Qm. mm

I. E. PALMER; COUCH HAMMOCK AND BACK REST AND WIND SHIELD THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.28, 1912. I v

Patented Febrl8, 1913.

6 SHEETS-BEBE? 2.

, k Izwenifor fsaaaETPaizw/fler 6 X1.- LA. y M 21792 I. E. PALMER. v v COUCH HAMMOUK AND BACK BEST AND WIND SHIELD THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.23, 1912.

1,053,860. Patented Feb.18,19.13,

1. E. PALMER. COUCH H AMMOOK AND BACK BEST AND WIND SHIELD THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILBDSE?T. 23, 1912. 1,053,860. Patented Feb.18,1913.

6' SHEETSSHBET 4- I. E. PALMER. COUCH HAMMOGK AND BACK BEST AND WIND SHIELD THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 23, 1912.

1,053,860, Patented Feb. 18,1913;

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

Y. Wtinessea Invenior: %mc@ 62. W ISaaclifi a Zzw/er.

UNI ED srrarns an ISAAC E. PALMER, F MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE I. E. PALMER.

G l, OF MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTIGUT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

COUCH-HAMMOCK AND BACK-REST AND WIND-SHIELD THEREFOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 18, 1913.

Application filedseptember 23, 1912. Serial No; 721,765.

a State of Connecticut, have invented an improvement in Couch-Hannnocks and Back-Rests and Wind-Shields Therefor, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings. is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to couch hammocks. the objectthereof being to improve certain parts thereof and more particularly the frame and the back rest or wind shield attachments thereof.

In order that my invention may be clearg: understood, I have disclosed certain embodiments thereof in the accompanying drawings, wherein-- Figure l is a view mainly in plan of a couch hammock embodying -1ny invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view thereof; Fig. 3 is a vertical. transverse section thereof taken upon the broken line 3"? of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the upper spreader of asuspension end showing the same in the pocket thereof. the latter being partially broken away; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Fig. Fig. 6 is an end elevation thereof;

Fig. 7 .is a plan view of a portion of one suspension end and the adjacent back rest or wind shield; Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the wind shield spreader shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a. detail in side elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 7 looking toward the left in said figure; Fig. 10 is a plan view, partially in section. of one end of the couch hammock frame; Fig. 11 is an end elevation thereof; Fig 12 is an end elevation of the construction shown in Fig. looking toward the left in said-figure. Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 of still anoth r form of the invention. Fig. 14; is a detail of one end of a bar or spreader shown in Fig. 28. Fig. 15 is a detail in side elevation showing a modified form of spreader. Fig. 1G is an end elevationthereof. Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 19 of still another form of the invention, and Fig. 18 is a side elevation of one end of a couch hammock showing a convertible end and back rest constituting one form of the invention.

19 is a detail in side elevation repre:

senting one manner of supporting a back rest and wind shield; Fig. 20 is an end elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 19; Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 19, but representing a different manner of supporting the back rest: Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 19 of still another form of the invention: Fig. 23 is a view similar to Fig. 19 of still another form of the invention.

in the disclosed embodiments of my invention I have represented a metallic frame, but desire it to be understood that as re gards other features of the invention, as, for example, the back rest or wind shield, said frame maybe of non-metallic or partially non-metallic construction. In its preferred embodiment, however. I provide a frame having angled end members and tubular side members rigidly connected thereto, a suitable seating being connected to the side and end members of the frame. Suitable suspension means are provided for the frame. In the preferred embodiment. these suspension means are preferably strands connected to the corners of the frame, for example, chains, as herein shown. If preferred, however, I may ems ploy other suitable suspension means, as, for example, sheet like suspension ends attached to the frame or continued from end to end as in the Gloucester type of couch hammock. in certaicases, I may employ both the suspension strands and the sheet like suspension ends. If the sheet-like suspension ends are employed, they constitute combined sheet-like ends and back rests, being attachable at their upper ends to the suspension strands and being of suliicientlength, so that they maybe. utilized as back rests positionable at an incline beneath the back of the user. The back rest latter be employed, or directly to the suspension ends of the ham-mock, if the latter be present. I

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and first'to Figs. 1 to 5 thereof, the

frame of the hammock is preferably'composed of metallic side members-1+1 and meta-llic end iiienibers'.22, the former being represented as cylindrical or tubular and the latter as angular. The adjacent terminals of these members are connected together in a manner to be more fully hereinafter described. The frame is provided with any suitable seating, such, for example, as one formed of wire links or rope or cloth. I have herein represented a seating composed of wire links 5 arranged in rectangular form and connected to plates 6, but it is to be understood that any other suitable seating may be employed. The seating is herein shown as connected to the end members 2 of the frame by coil springs 7, the ends 8 whereof take into perforations 9 in the inwardly extending web at of the end members of the frame.

The hammock may be provided with any suitable body. In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, I have represented the hammock as provided with sheetlike preferably cloth ends 14 having at their upper ends pockets 15 in which are mounted suitable Spreaders 16. If desired, the said ends 14 may constitute the true suspension ends and may be provided at their upper ends with cords arranged at suitable. intervals along the spreader and serving to support the hammock. Preferably, however, I provide suspension strands, here shown as chains 1'7. IVben using chains, I preferably employ four, one extending up wardly from each corner of the hammock frame, and at the upper ends thereof may provide suitable rings 18, by which the hammock may be suspended. Instead of providing suspension chains, I may provide other suitable suspension strands,-such as cords or the like.

Heretofore, as disclosed in my Patent No. 944,814, I have provided corner brackets rigidly attached to the frame which afford back pieces or supports against which the upstanding fabric sides of the hammock body may be drawn tight. In this manner, I secure well defined and preferably rectangular corners at the meetingends of the side and end members of the frame. This' member is, however, extended substantially above the frame, and although very effeclive for its purpose may become damaged in packing or transportation. To avoid this objection, I provide elongated metallic links 21 shown most clearly in Fig. 11. Each link 21 is provided at its upper end with a. hooked end 22 to engage the lower link of the adjacent chain 17, and at its lower endis provided with a hook 23 taking-into a suitable perforatioii 2 1 at a point preferably so close to the extreme end of the web 3 that when the hammock is suspended-the outer edge 25 of the link 21 is in alinement or forms a continuation of the vertical end edge of the said web 3. V

If desired, I may provide the hammock with upstanding cloth or other suitable sides 26, the ends of which meet the vertical edges of the ends 14, to which they may be connected by cords passing through gromets or in any other suitable manner. These upstanding sides 26 may be connected to the frame in any suitable manner, as, foiuexample, by staples 27 permitting the ready removal of said upstanding sides from the frame. It will be evident that the ends 14 and upstanding sides 26 may be tightly secured together and that the links 21 will provide rectangular corners at the meeting edges thereof. The said links 21, when the hammock is not suspended, assume a horizontal position, the eyes 23 turning in the holes 24: for this purpose. In such position of the parts, the said links 21 do not project substantially above the upper edge of the frame. I

I have previously stated that the side members ofthe frame are composed of cylindrical and preferably tubular metallic members 1. In order to secure the side and end members of the frame rigidly together and to accomplish this and yet satisfactorily, I provide the end members of the frame with some suitable formation extending out of the plane of the upper surface of the flange or-web 4 thereof. Preferably I so bend the terminal por tions of the webs 4 as to form slight recesses 28 into which the cylindrical side members 1 are seated. By providing a suitresult inexpensivel t able recess or other supporting formation, I

am enabled to secure the sideand' end me'm bers rigidly together by means of a single bolt 29 or the like at each corner of the frame. Each bolt passes through the meeting ends of the members 1 and 2 of the frame. While I prefer to provide recesses 28 to receive the ends of the side members 1 of tlieframe, I may provide projections integral with the said end members and extending upwardly from their upper faces against which the said side members take and are held by the bolts 29. I

In the event that I employ suspension chains 17 'or the like and in the event that I employ sheet'-like ends 14, the Spreaders 16 of the latter are not provided with suspension cords, but said Spreaders are provided with end formations taking into or suitably-received by the links of the said chain '17. One form of such construction is best illustrated in Figs. 4:, 5 and 6, where Psuitable formation adapted to be intercom,- nected with the adjacent chain. I have seother.

roaaeeo cured the best result by providing a hook.

here shown as a T head which can easily be inserted into any desired link 33 ot the ad acent chain and be securely held therein and readily detached by turning spreader or the chain with respect to each Within the scope of my invention. 1. provide a spreader having terminal holding hook-like members adapted to be inserted in and supported by the suspension bracket and. between which the chain lies, as

indicated in Figs. 5. 6 and 20. Any other suitable construction or formation may, however. be provided. For example, in Figs. 15 and 16, l have represented the bracket 3 as having two hooky-32 and lhe hook 3'2 here represented as. similar to the correspondingly numbered nook ill Figs. st. 5 and o. and the hook o is preferably oi the form shown and over which the next link of the chain 17 may take so as to hold the spreader in proper position with respect to the chain. In Figs. '15 and 16. l have shown a somewhat diiierent form of chain from that illustrated in 3. and it is understood that in any event any suitable form of chain may be employed.

1 provide the hammock with a. suitable back rest or wind shield or both. and ha e herein shown several forms thereof. erably the back rest or wind shield is provided with end strands to which the rods or spreaders of the back rest or wind shield are preferably directly connected. In Figs. 3, 7, 8 and 9, I have represented one form of this part of my invention. Thereinl have represented a wire bracket 36, the bent ends 37 and 38 whereof take over the spreader 16 and its pocket 15 as represented.

This bracket so may he slid along the spreader l6, and fitsthe spreader tight-1y enough to be held by its own resiliency in any position to which itis adjust d. fore, it provides means for supporting the wind shield or back rest, as thefca'se may be, but preferably the back rest atany esired point transverselv of the frame. With the upstanding portion 39 of the bracket 36, I may interconnect in any suitable manner a spreader, such as that represented at it) in Figs. 7 and 8. This spreader maybe a rod or spreader of either a back rest, or wind shield or of a combined back rest and wind the Q Therel shield. in Fig. 7, however, I. have represented the spreader 40 as positioned in a pocket of .a suitable wind shield 41 depending therefron'i and have at its ends provided said spreader with a bracket 42 having a series of books l3 (preferably three in numher) which take about the part 39 ofthe bracket 36. ant permitting the ready detachability of said parts. that the bracket 36 is provided with a bend set which assists in holding spreader l0 in the proper vertical position by at fording a support for the lowermost hook 43. It will be observed that by adjusting the brackets 36. the wind shield itself may be adjusted transversely of the hammock. As preriously stated. the spreader l0 may be a spreader of the back rest.

l have previously referred to the end strands of the back rest. The end strands e rope or chainl members. One 7 tent thereof is represented in Fig. 3. wherein is shown a chain the upper end which is provided with a hook :l(5 taking into the bend portion i? of the bracket 36. The chain 415' depends in a loose flexible manner substantially as indicated, and at its 1 wer end is providedwith a two-ended hook 48 or other suitable means taking into one of a series of holes in the web 3 of the adjacent suspension end *2. 1 preferably provide series of these holes 49 adjacent each end of each end member 2, so that the back rest may be supported at either side of the hannnocln thatis, either side of the hammock may be in the front.

The chains or other suitable strands 45 are adapted to receive one or more spreaders. rods or bars 50, as represented in Fig. 3. These Spreaders, rods or bars are positioned at a suitable distance apart and at any vertical height desired, so ask comfortably to support the back, as, for example, the upper and lower portions thereof. These spreaders may be suitably upholstered if desired. Preferably each spreader 50 is provided with end brackets 30, such as indicated in Figs. 4,25 and 6, so that the T heads or any suitable hooks or supporting means thereof may detachably take into the links of the chains l5. It will be obvious that the back rest thus provided may be adjusted transversely of the hammock both atits upper and at its lower ends, and that. the longitudinally extending members maybe vertically adjusted. Moreover the flexible nature of the end strands 45 permits the spreaders to conform in position to the back of the hammock occupant. In the event that-l employ chains'for the back rest, the

and length.

In Fig. 3, 1 have represented the use of both a backrest and a wind shield, it being noted that the spreader of. the Wind links thereof may be of any suitable shape It will be noted providing screw shield 52 is supported by the wire brackets :56. It will, however, be understood that the spreader of the wind shield may be provided with end T heads or other suitable formations by which it is directly connected to the chains 45, the latter,as shown in Fig. 3, being directly connected to the brackets 36. It is to be understood that the rod or spreader of the wind shield may be supported by the end suspension means (which may beropes or chains or other suitable devices) either indirectly as shown, or in any other suitable manner, and that the rope or chain-like members of the back rest may be supported at their upper portions or ends by the supporting means for said wind shield spreader, as shown in Fig.

3, or in any other suitable manner. The rope or chain-like members of the back rest may be supported at their upper ends, within the scope of my invention, in any suitable manner and to any suitable part of the hammock, their direct support or their ultimate support, as the case may be, being the hammock suspension means.

Instead of connecting the strands or chains of the back rest to brackets 36, I may support them I in any other suitable manner. For example, in Fig. 19, I have represented suspension chains 17 whereon issupported a Wind shield 53 having the spreader 51 thereof detachably connected to said chains 17 by end hooks or T heads 32 or other suitable formation, as previously described. The end chains or strands 55 for the back rest are provided with hooks 56 taking directly into links of the suspension chains 17 at any suitable elevation. Thus, in this form of the invention, the end strands or chains of the back rest are directly connected at their upper ends to the suspension chains 17. It. is not necessary, however, that the endstrands or chains of the back rest be directly connected at their upper ends to the suspension chains or other suspension means, as they'may be directly supported at their upper'ends or portions to any desired part and in any desired manner. I

In that form of the invention shown in ig. '21, I have provided suspension chains 17, but instead of connecting the end strands or chains 57 of the back rest thereto, I have provided a series of screw eyes 58 taking into the transversely extending or end spreader This permits the transverse adjustment of the chains 57; Instead of eyes 58, I- may provide eyes or sockets in the spreaders 59, into which the chains 57 ,take in a preferably detachable and adjustable manner. I- may, if desired, do away with suspension'chains 17 and provide fabric or other sheet-like sus pension ends 60, shown in Fig. 22. Each suspension end 60 1s provided with a roaaseo spreader 61 and stringing cords 62. The end strands or chains 63 of the back rest may be connected in any suitable manner to the end 60, as bymeans of hooks engag ing holes 64: in the spreaders 61. By prm viding series of holes 64, I may provide for the transverse adjustment of the upper end of the chains 63.

It will be understood. that in each of the forms shown, the lower ends of the chains are adapted to be connected to the. frame or some suitable portion of the hammock, so as to permittransverse adjustment of the lower end thereof and that the spreader or spreaders or other suitably longitudinally extending means may be detachably connected to the links at any suitable eleva' tion, as previously described. The same is true of all forms of back rest disclosed in this application. My invention is not however limited to these features or connections.

In Figs. 23 and 14, I have shown still another form of back rest. Therein, I have provided oneor more spreaders 65, and at each end of said spreader or spreaders I have provided suitable formations for connecting the links or chain thereto. Preferably I provide a bracketfifi having ears 67, into holes 68 of which the hooked ends of wire links 69 may take. In thi's'manner, a comparatively few number of links may be employed at each end of the back rest, and the vertical height of the spreader may be varied by changing the positions of the links and spreaders. In this form of the invention, I have represented the hammock as provided with a suspension end 7 O, and the spreader thereof is provided with a suitable number of holes 71, into the desired ,one of which the upper link or hook of each chain may take. In this form of the invention,-as ineach of the forms herein represented, the back rest may be supported at either side of the hammock. In other words, I provide meansfor attaching the upper end of the chain at either side of the hammock and the lower end of the chain at either side of the hammock.

In Fig. 17, I have shown still another.

and a very simple form of the invention. Therein, I have represented cords or ropes 72, the upper and lower ends of which may be detachably and adjustably connected in any of the ways herein disclosed, as, for example, by hooks engaging with perforations, screw eyes or adjustable brackets.-

Each cord 72 is reeved through two holes 73 in the spread-er or spreaders 74, as clearly illustrated, the cords 72 and spreaders 7% binding together, so that the spreader, or

spreaders are securely held in any desired position. Nevertheless the said spreader 0r spreaders may be readily adjusted vertically bv slidingthem along the cords 72. The

said cords 72 may be attached to suspension I m i I v v ends '35, or 11 desire-ti shey may suitable manner, as, for ens-m le, the way Patents No 91 2 hack rest is represented at '76 as a sh The conrerti le end and est-like strip preferably of textile material having at its upper end a spreader C 7 in a suitable pocket. This spreader is preferably provided. at its ends with brackets, such as representedi gs. 4 5 and 5 so that the spreader may e detechahly and adjustahly connected to the suspension chains 17. The strip 76 is of iiicient length, so that it may extend at a downward inclination beneath the hotly of he user, as, for example, he neehh the hips of the user, and may there-he provided With-s pillow 78. in this manner, the user holds the heck inclination, as more fully set i 12 and No. I said strip 76 is provided at a suit means \herehy it may he connected to'the already described.

strands or chains 11" the corners or frame, and when in positi n the reinsining portion of the strip may he employed in sec cured by lacing 81 to the cho is rolled or folded up Elh'tll head end of jshe he-mnsool'. Any suitable means may he provided to connect this strip 7 6 to the lower parts of the chains 1?. For example, l may provide a spreader 79 in a suitable pocket of the strip 1 6. and it may be similar in cons'ruotion to the spreader shown in Figs. 4;, 5 end 3, so that it may he dete chahly en with suitable links of the chain 1?. When the spreader 79 is tins engaged with the chains 17, then the strip 76 constitutes an end of the hammock and the remaining portion is rolled up close t *etoj instead employing a' spreader 79, .i provide the strip 76 wi h grometeyes 80 at suitable points, whereby the said s rig J may foe h s will he understood thit the f: :in of spreader shown in F en and the form of spa iders shown in Figs. 15 and 18 Where spreader is intercon ecter or tached to a chain. in o her words, these forms of Spreaders may he used as tronsversely extending 01' end spre Spreaders for heel: rests or Wind sliiel iii the claims ll employ the term I rest in a somewhat generic 519358;28 the back rest proper partake g or at least of the I notions d wind shield. The term is employed in a more sgzecifie "11d every position.

l he spreader of the hashrest or shield is psovioed as herein represented with projections, one form which is the T-hezul hook 32. This heed adapted to engage either with the links of the chains or with ,s yuiel; edjustinp' means for flexibly or loosely connecting the spreader and the suspension means. Predershly this is accomplished suspension means fill he ohsei it that in ell the fol back rest is end strands are c rp as," LALU their upper lower ends with capacity for transverse sd ustineni, We der or or other suitehie lonlinelly extending niesrs being yerticeily ad ustehle. e

is of course to he understood that the beck other forms of couch hammocks and other forms of couch heninionr frames, and that the hammock frame herein disclosed may is if upstanding suspension sides be employed they may he detschahly connected intermediate their ends to the longitudinal members or" the frame in any suitable msnner as hy means of gronie't eyes lacing.

moreover he understood that in theie forms, the heck ests and W2: d shields may he used iogeeher desire "lite; sire however, capable oi e F owing thus of invention,

he under tood ins are einnlo ed 1 i eerie and l Claims.

L A coneh. having shspens Vols, and a heel; res therefor consisting of rope or ohsindilre members supported at their upper ends by said tr mesuspension ,rnenns, end'conneeted at "WQDQIldS to the hammock in e dysnce of epoints of support; .i'lilfifihz'slvtl upper ends said heel;

"MERSIQL means and constituting rest and Wind shield may he used with,

used with other types of couch hammocks" openings in the flexible or cloih suspension ends. in either ssid projections constitute self-looking, i'igit projections adapted enter openings in the suspension chains or s1 l engagement and locking 05 the spreader and v t ee rest having a spreader connected at its ends to said rope or chain-like members.

:2. A couch hammock comprising'a frame having suspension means and a back rest therefor consisting of rope or' chain-like members having the upper ends thereof connected to and adjustable along the suspension means at substantially the back side of the hammock and having their lower ends connected to and adjustable along the hammock adjacent the front side thereof, said, back rest having a spreader directly connected at its ends to said members. I

3. A couch hammock comprising a. frame having suspension rope or chain-like members and a back rest therefor having similar members directly received and supported by said suspension members, said back rest members supportinga rod or spreader, and means for transversely varying the position of said back rest.

4. A couch hammockcompnising a frame having rope or chain-like suspension members and a back-rest therefor consisting of similar members connected at their upper ends to said suspension members and-at their lower ends to the hammock frame, said back-rest having a spreader the ends whereof are connected thereto.

5. As an article of manufacture, a back rest for. a couch hammock consisting of end chains having books at their upper and lower ends, and a rod or spreader having end formations directly received in links of said end chains.

6. A couch hammock comprising a frame having end suspension means, and a back rest therefor consisting of a pair of rope or chain-like members adapted to be supported at their upper ends by the hammock suspension means and adapted for connection to the hammock at their lower ends, said back rest having a spreader connected at its ends to said members. v

7. In combination, a couch hammock comprising a frame, end' suspension means therefor, and a back rest for said hammock consisting of end'rope or chain-like members supported at their upper ends by the said end suspension means and extending downwardly from said points of support, and a back rest member proper extending between and supported by said rope or chainlike members.

8. In combination, a couch hammock comprising a frame, flexible end suspension means therefor having openings, and a spreader for a back rest or wind shield for said hammock, said spreader having each of its ends provided'with alocking, rigid projection adapted to enter one of said openings and constituting means for flexibly locking said spreader and the said flexible end suspension means.

9. In combination, a couch hammock comprising a frame, flexible end suspension means therefor having openings, and a spreader for a back rest or windshield having each of its ends provided with two projections constituting means for loosely connecting said spreader and said end sus pension means, at least one of said. projections at each end of the spreader having a locking format-ion adapted to enter one of said openings, and the other projection at each spreader end engaging the suspension means and cotiperating with the adjacent entering projection to prevent twisting of the spreader. r

10. In combination,- a couch hammock comprising a frame, suspension chains at the corners thereof, and a spreader for a back rest or wind shield for said hammock, said spreader having each of its ends provided with two projections adapted to enter links of a suspension chain, and constituting means for loosely connecting the spreader and the suspensionchains and also for pre' venting twisting of said spreader relative to said chains.

11. In combination, a couch hammock comprising a frame, flexible end suspension means therefor having openings and a spreader for a back rest or wind shield for said hammock, said spreader having termi' nal, holding, hook-like members adapted to be inserted in said openings and to be thereby loosely supported by said suspension means, said hook-like members having cross heads adapted to be turned across the said openings when engaged therewith and constituting means for loosely locking said spreader and said flexible end suspension means together.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

ISAAC E. PALMER.

Witnesses IRVING U. Townsnnn, Roenn'r H. KAMMLER. 

